A big, bullocking colt might well form the frontline in the Victorian resistance as the raiders threaten to again claim the prized group 1 $200,000 Victoria Derby at Melton on Saturday night.
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Ballarat-trained Youaremy Sunshine's gate five draw has him well placed for a forward running for trainer-driver Damien Burns.
However, with now NSW-based New Zealand import and favourite Line Up and Queensland hope Governor Jujon drawn on his inside the task is tall to reverse the trend.
Victorians have only won the three-year-old classic twice in the past eight years, with Our Little General saluting for Emma Stewart in 2017 and Menin Gate in 2015.
Along with the Michael Stanley-trained polemarker Soho Hamilton, and Emma Stewart-trained pair Pacifico Dream and Mirragon, Youaremy Sunshine is among those next best in the market.
"We think he's close to his peak," Burns said.
"Going into the heat we had a week without a race and we probably thought he was going in a little underdone, even though he had a bit of racing.
"From the heat and with this week he should be as good as we could get him," he said.
Youraremy Sunshine was third in his heat, bustling in the breeze as is often his way.
"The race was a bit of a funny one, there was no pressure on whatsoever, it was literally only a 500m sprint." Burns said.
"My bloke, his legs couldn't go any faster, he ran quite strong to the line, but I just couldn't pick up any ground on the leader.
"Things will definitely be different this week," he said.
Burns is optimistic about using his mid front-row draw to advantage.
"It's a funny draw, (but) there's a lot worse draws there. It gives us a couple of options," he said.
"He has got high speed and we haven't used it to date, when you are in the big one, a faint heart never won a fair lady. We may light him up early and have a go.
"If we don't do that I can see him probably running similar to the way he has been.
"It will be a survival of the fittest that's for sure," Burns said.
Youaremy Sunshine has won six of 14 starts for $110,000 in stakes.
BALLARAT district stables also have a strong representation in the $150,000 Victoria Oaks final at Melton on Saturday night.
Emma Stewart has head winner Maajida and Amelia Rose, and Michael Stanley will sent around Soho Gloria Jane.
Maajida is lining up for her ninth win in a row and looking for her third group 1 success.